Bordallo speaks at first HASC hearing

Guam - "Making our military capabilities on Guam robust allows us to defend against North Korea aggression as well as counter the secretive buildup of Chinese forces," said Guam Congressional Delegate Madeleine Bordallo. With the Department of Defense forced to do more with less, today in the nation's capitol the first hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness was held.

An independent look at the required readiness posture of U.S. forces was presented to members. The individuals who appeared before the subcommittee shared one common theme through their testimonies: the importance of the Asia Pacific Region and the threat from areas like North Korea and china and its Peoples Liberation Army.

Naval War College professor Thomas Mahnken testified that China is for the first time close to achieving military capability to deny U.S. and Allied Forces access to much of the Western Pacific Rim, adding that the growth of China's anti-access capability, in turn calls into question many of the fundamental assumptions upon which the U.S. has based its defense planning since World War II.

"The assumption that US bases in Guam, Japan and elsewhere will be secure from attacks is in question, the PLA is fielding ballistic and cruise missile systems and a number of other capabilities designed to destroy most key facilities," he said.

Bordallo is the subcommittee's ranking Democrat, during today's hearing she underscored the importance of troop realignments, such as the Guam military buildup, which she says will enhance the United States' global strategic posture. "The strategic location of forces on Guam sends a very clear signal to our allies in the Asia Pacific Region that we remain their partner and a power in the Asia Pacific Region," she said. "Similarly, a buildup of forces on Guam also allow us to address threats that may arise in Indonesia or the Southern Philippines, not to mention humanitarian assistance missions to our pacific island partners and other hotspots in the region."

These are partners and Strategic Alliances Center for American Progress senior vice president Rudy Deleon believes should be fostered, and like those who testified before him emphasized the need for readiness to focus in our neck of the woods. "Asia Pacific is at the top of our list in terms of needing to focus strategically on that region," he said.

With budget constraints Congresswoman Bordallo emphasized the need to find a proper balance to provide the nation's armed forces with the necessary resources to respond to threats against the nation and in our case the region. "The military buildup on Guam is not without its challenges. But it is the right thing for our nation, and the right thing for Guam. We just need to get it done right," she said.

An investigation is underway at the Department of Corrections after an inmate was found dead inside his cell. DepCor director Tony Lamorena confirms the inmate was found unresponsive around 6am today in the prison’s medical unit. His identity is notMore >>

An investigation is underway at the Department of Corrections after an inmate was found dead inside his cell. DepCor director Tony Lamorena confirms the inmate was found unresponsive around 6am today in the prison’s medical unit. His identity is notMore >>

The trial against Raymond Martinez and Juanita Moser continued again at the District Court. Today, jurors heard cross-examination of Torrance Police Officer Ryan Schmitz by Martinez's defense counsel, Peter Perez. Officer Schmitz was the arresting officer who pulled over Martinez in a traffic stop resulting in the finding of eight pounds of meth. Perez argued the credibility of the government's witness, calling out inconsistencies in his testimonies and reports. Defense also...More >>

The trial against Raymond Martinez and Juanita Moser continued again at the District Court. Today, jurors heard cross-examination of Torrance Police Officer Ryan Schmitz by Martinez's defense counsel, Peter Perez. Officer Schmitz was the arresting officer who pulled over Martinez in a traffic stop resulting in the finding of eight pounds of meth. Perez argued the credibility of the government's witness, calling out inconsistencies in his testimonies and reports. Defense also...More >>

She wants the feds to investigate the Department of Corrections. Public safety oversight chair Senator Telena Nelson has asked US Attorney for Guam and the CNMI Shawn Andersen to send a request to the justice department to conduct an independent review of the recent events at the prison. Nelson wants them to find out if there have been any violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. Some of the things she points out include the assault on detainee Katlyn Scully,...More >>

She wants the feds to investigate the Department of Corrections. Public safety oversight chair Senator Telena Nelson has asked US Attorney for Guam and the CNMI Shawn Andersen to send a request to the justice department to conduct an independent review of the recent events at the prison. Nelson wants them to find out if there have been any violations of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. Some of the things she points out include the assault on detainee Katlyn Scully,...More >>

He is accused of pointing a gun at another driver on the road, and now faces drug charges. Sean Anthony Aquiningoc is charged drug possession and possession with intent to deliver, illegal possession of a firearm, theft by receiving, assault, and reckless conduct. Police tracked down the suspect's car after receiving a complaint that he allegedly pointed a gun at her along route 16 in Dededo. Along with a 9mm gun and full metal jacket bullets, police found marijuana leaves, and multip...More >>

He is accused of pointing a gun at another driver on the road, and now faces drug charges. Sean Anthony Aquiningoc is charged drug possession and possession with intent to deliver, illegal possession of a firearm, theft by receiving, assault, and reckless conduct. Police tracked down the suspect's car after receiving a complaint that he allegedly pointed a gun at her along route 16 in Dededo. Along with a 9mm gun and full metal jacket bullets, police found marijuana leaves, and multip...More >>

Corrections officers stopped prison contraband from getting into their facility. DepCor leaders say officers found chewing tobacco and pugua at the rear side of the domes while conducting a perimeter check on Sunday. No word yet if anyone is facing charges following the find. Authorities are investigating...More >>

Corrections officers stopped prison contraband from getting into their facility. DepCor leaders say officers found chewing tobacco and pugua at the rear side of the domes while conducting a perimeter check on Sunday. No word yet if anyone is facing charges following the find. Authorities are investigating...More >>

15 players from Guam's men's national soccer team are in San Diego for training camp. Matao Head Coach Karl Dodd says, "We are using this camp to evaluate the players off-island and to implement the new professional standards and playing style to those players."

15 players from Guam's men's national soccer team are in San Diego for training camp. Matao Head Coach Karl Dodd says, "We are using this camp to evaluate the players off-island and to implement the new professional standards and playing style to those players."

It was battle of the regions fire departments... Local and federal fire fighters from Guam and the CNMI spent the weekend at the Paseo Beach Park for this year's fire muster competition. They competed in a variety of physical contests that tested their strength, endurance and teamwork. Taking first place on day one was the Navy Federal Fire Department, and walking away with the overall win on Sunday, the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Great job to all who comp...More >>

It was battle of the regions fire departments... Local and federal fire fighters from Guam and the CNMI spent the weekend at the Paseo Beach Park for this year's fire muster competition. They competed in a variety of physical contests that tested their strength, endurance and teamwork. Taking first place on day one was the Navy Federal Fire Department, and walking away with the overall win on Sunday, the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Great job to all who comp...More >>

A mother admits to police she had just smoked the drug, ICE, when she tried to hurt herself and her five year old. Eileen Camille Mangarero is charged with assault on a police officer, family violence, and child abuse. Police responded to a disturbance along route 15 in Mangilao when they saw a woman holding a child in the middle of the road. A man known to her tried to help and calm her down. Authorities were able to get both the child and the woman off the road. But, it's at that po...More >>

A mother admits to police she had just smoked the drug, ICE, when she tried to hurt herself and her five year old. Eileen Camille Mangarero is charged with assault on a police officer, family violence, and child abuse. Police responded to a disturbance along route 15 in Mangilao when they saw a woman holding a child in the middle of the road. A man known to her tried to help and calm her down. Authorities were able to get both the child and the woman off the road. But, it's at that po...More >>

A 51 year old man is under arrest accused of sexually molesting an 11 year old girl known to him. Neron "Jack" Paulus is charged with 2 counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct. Police responded to the complaint at an apartment complex in Agat on Saturday. Court documents state, the alleged abuse included oral sex and vaginal penetration. It was only after the victim began crying even louder that the suspect got off of her and left the bedroom. The suspect was also on ...More >>

A 51 year old man is under arrest accused of sexually molesting an 11 year old girl known to him. Neron "Jack" Paulus is charged with 2 counts of first degree criminal sexual conduct. Police responded to the complaint at an apartment complex in Agat on Saturday. Court documents state, the alleged abuse included oral sex and vaginal penetration. It was only after the victim began crying even louder that the suspect got off of her and left the bedroom. The suspect was also on ...More >>